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Neuroprotective effects of silymarin and melatonin on radiation-induced brainstem injury in rats

Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study investigates the neuroprotective effects of silymarin and melatonin against ionizing radiation-induced brainstem damage in a rat model. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to control, radiation-exposed, and treatment groups receiving silymarin and/or melatonin. A single 25 Gy dose of ionizing radiation was delivered using a linear accelerator, and the neuroprotective agents were administered prior to exposure. Comet assays and biochemical analyses were conducted to assess DNA damage and oxidative stress, and histopathological evaluations were also performed. Our results showed that X-ray exposure significantly increased histopathological degeneration (score: 2.4 ± 0.4 in the radiation group vs. 0.0 ± 0.0 in the control group, P < 0.001), oxidative stress (elevated levels of malondialdehyde [MDA] and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine [8-OHdG], and decreased activities of superoxide dismutase [SOD] and glutathione peroxidase [GPx]), and DNA fragmentation (increased DNA in tail and higher percentages of fragmented nuclei). Treatment with silymarin or melatonin alone significantly mitigated radiation-induced damage to the brainstem, including reductions in histopathological degeneration, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. These protective effects were more pronounced when melatonin and silymarin were administered in combination. In conclusion, silymarin and melatonin—alone or in combination—exhibit significant neuroprotective properties against ionizing radiation-induced brainstem damage, likely through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. These findings suggest potential therapeutic applications for mitigating radiation-induced neurotoxicity.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jrras.2025.101863
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,400
OpenAlex ID: W4413238457
FWCI:
Cites: 60
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Related to: 10